Ex-Marine Trevor Reed's New Conviction Amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict

A Russian court convicted former U.S. Marine Trevor Reed in absentia for allegedly being a mercenary for Ukraine, sentencing him to 14.5 years. Reed, who was exchanged in a 2022 prisoner swap, was injured in 2023 fighting for Ukraine. Previously, his 2019 Russia conviction was criticized by the U.S.

A Russian court has sentenced former U.S. Marine Trevor Reed to 14.5 years in prison, convicting him in absentia for serving as a mercenary for Ukraine. Originally freed in a 2022 prisoner swap, Reed was accused by Russia's Investigative Committee of joining Ukraine's army in July 2023 and participating in combat operations against Russian forces.

The court's decision has placed Reed on an international wanted list, although he couldn't be reached for comment. The U.S. State Department confirmed Reed's involvement, noting he was injured in Ukraine and later transferred to Germany for medical treatment.

Reed, born in 1991, had a previous conviction in Russia in 2019 for endangering police officers, which the U.S. dismissed as a "theater of the absurd." His release in 2022 followed a prisoner exchange with Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko. Meanwhile, a separate ruling sentenced 72-year-old American Stephen James Hubbard to nearly seven years for similar charges.

(With inputs from agencies.)